The Application Level of Future Thinking Skills among Students of Arabian Gulf University: Theory and Practice

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the application level of future thinking skills  among the students of Arabian Gulf University. To investigate this issue the study adopted a descriptive-analytical method. The final sample was (133) male and female students selected from the disciplines of Innovation, Giftedness and Medicine. The researcher developed a questionnaire  consisting of three dimensions: future planning, future forecasting, and solving future problems. The Reliability and validity of the instrument ranged between (0.6-0.8). Results revealed that the application level of future thinking skills in strategic planning by Arabian Gulf University students was 76.96%.  The percentage of using the skills of predicting future variables was 75% as students showed interest in presenting serious future scenarios. Results also showed that level of using  the skill of solving problems was 84.5%. On the other hand, the study results revealed that there is a disparity in the use of an organized method to solve problems and evaluate solutions after taking a decision. Finally, the study recommended conducting continuous training courses in using future thinking skills. It was also recommended to create student work teams in all educational institutions to solve educational and scientific issues. These institutions should also foresee future through these students and offer them capacity building programs.

Keywords: future thinking skills, Arabian Gulf University students.